Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double glazing refers to the panes of glass that are placed inside the frame of a window or wall opening. The window glazing may be damaged at times and require repairs.
If you've noticed condensation between your windows, a visible draft, or if hinges and handles become difficult to open, this is a sign that your double glazing needs repair. The repair typically involves an entire reseal of the unit.
Broken Panes
Double-glazed windows comprise of two glass panes with an air gap between them which is filled with inert gases, such as argon or krypton. This helps to keep heat inside your home and prevents cold drafts from getting in. Occasionally the windows can become damaged and when this happens, the entire window could require replacement. It is essential to contact the company who sold you double glazing immediately when you notice a chip or crack in the window.
It is possible to fix the glass pane that has broken by following a few easy steps, but it's not recommended unless you have experience in DIY. Wear gloves and carefully remove the damaged window pane. If the pane is cracked, use masking tape in a crisscrossing pattern over the areas that are cracked. This will prevent the cracks from becoming worse over time, particularly during the winter. It is also an excellent idea to cover your work surface with newspaper in the event that any broken pieces fall off. Once the broken pane is removed, use a putty blade to scrape off any glazing putty and glazed window seal. Remove the glazing points with pliers. Finally, coat the bare wood with a fast-drying primer.
If you can purchase a new replacement pane take measurements of the length and width of the grooved channel with a tape measure. Subtract 1/8' from both measurements to allow for slight movement of the new pane. Then, you can roll a thin rope of glazing compound into the channels with grooves and slide the replacement glass into place. Tap gently using a Hammer at 6 intervals of 8 inches to help set the glass in its place, but be careful not to break the glass.
It is worth using your double glazing warranty to avoid the expense of a full replacement window. Generally the warranty will cover the cost of any component that you require replacing and also labour. It is crucial to review the specifics of your warranty because it may differ from one company to the next, so make sure you are aware of what is covered and until when.
Foggy Glass
Foggy glass is usually the result of condensation that occurs between the panes of your double glazing. This could be caused by many things including variations in temperature, poorly installed frames, or even the seals that have deteriorated over time.
The good news is that in most cases, this can be repaired easily by a professional double glazing installer. Contact the company that installed your windows immediately if you spot any issues. Follow up with a written response. This will make it easier in the event that you need to contact them in the future. It can also be extremely helpful in the event that the issue is covered by your warranty or guarantee.
It is possible to fix the issue by replacing gasket seals. This will not need replacing the entire window unit, and will help keep your home efficient in terms of energy use. To accomplish this the window glazier must remove any retaining clips or strips that are holding the IGU in place and cut through the old sealant with the aid of a saw.
Then, they'll build or purchase an IGU replacement to fit the frame, and use specific sealants to ensure that it's air- and water-tight. When they're done, they'll reinstall retaining clips or strip them and apply more sealant.
If you are lucky the misting will cease. However, it's important to ensure your frames are properly ventilated to ensure that moisture doesn't build up in your ceilings and walls.
Another issue that is frequently faced by owners of double glazing is that their windows or doors become difficult to open and close This could be due to extreme weather conditions, or it could be because the frame has sunk or sagged over time, and isn't sitting at a level with the rest of your house. If this is the case, try wiping the frames with cold water in order to shrink the frames a bit, however, it's unlikely that this will solve the issue completely. If you can't resolve the issue away, you may require replacing them by a professional.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when the insulating gases in double glazing windows fail to hold their position leaving air and moisture between the panes. This is more prevalent in winter, when humidity levels are higher. However it can also occur at other times. The accumulation of moisture can cause mould and mildew around sills sealants, window frames and even window sills that are not only unattractive but also harmful to your health. A window expert can usually seal condensation to lessen humidity and prevent the build-up of moisture in your home.
Window sealing, or window gaskets, are a critical component of any double-glazed window or door. These gaskets seal in the insulated space between your window glass to prevent drafts as well as heat, moisture, and drafts from entering or leaving your home. These gaskets can perish or shrink over time due to weather, temperature conditions and ageing, meaning that condensation could be appearing on your double-glazed windows or doors.
It is possible to fix this however it would require replacing the'sandwich' (thermo-pane and glass) of your double glazed window with a precise replacement. Unless you have the right tools for the job it is recommended that you hire a professional to re-seal your double-glazed windows.
Mist in your double-glazed windows is another common problem that can be a challenge to fix. This is a sign that the factory vacuum seal has failed and there is no way to let air in or out of the sandwich.
A professional will reseal the window using the same process as they would for a condensation or fog problem. This usually involves removing the thermo-pane sandwich, spraying it with a cleaning solution and then sucking out the old sealant. It is essential to accurately measure the'sandwich' in length width, thickness and length to ensure that the replacement will be a perfect fit and a new seal can be drawn between the glass.
This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools that aren't usually available in DIY stores. It is recommended to delegate this task to professionals, as incorrect seals could cause mold and damp in your home. This could be costly and dangerous to your health.
Water Leaks
It's crucial to take action as soon as you notice water leaking from your double-glazed windows. If you don't take action quickly, even the smallest leak could be a huge issue.
Sometimes, the window frame itself can be the cause. Make sure that the sill pan, the flat bottom of the frame, is pitched so that water drains away from your house and not into the frame. If you notice that the sill pan has not been properly pitched or you see water in the wood you should consult an expert in double-glazing repair.
A damaged window seal is another common cause of leaks. This can be due to age or damage, or even weather. This is not an easy fix and should be left to experts.
A window seal that is damaged can let air through the windows, making it less efficient in energy use. This can also allow cold air to enter your home during the winter months and hot air to escape during summer. This can result in high heating and cooling costs.
It is easy to fix it by applying a new layer of caulking. Although people who have DIY skills are able to do this on their own, it is usually easier to have a double glazing expert handle the task. You will have peace of mind and an assurance that the work has been done correctly.
Certain double-glazed windows are covered by warranties of up to 20 years. It is recommended to check with the company who sold you your windows to find out what warranty they offer and how long they last. This can save you the expense of having to replace your double-glazed windows at a later time. If you have an insurance policy on your double-glazed windows, it is essential to register any issues as soon as possible. This can be done via the internet or by calling the company directly. The information you have in writing will help if you require your warranty.